WSF INSTANT UPDATE

ISSUE 71 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

To: ALL WSF MEMBER NATIONAL FEDERATIONS cc: WSF Regional Vice-Presidents, WSF Commssion Members, PSA members, Accredited Products and Companies

FROM THE PRESIDENT: In September we received the confirmed news that the IOC had awarded the 2024 Olympic Games to Paris, followed by Los Angeles four years later. Speaking as a member of the French National Olympic Committee I am delighted that my home city will have the chance to host the Games. As WSF President I will use every opportunity at my disposal at home and internationally to push for to be part of the Paris edition. Squash is a well-respected sport in France, with current very top players such as and Gregory Gaultier, along with great coaches who are developing strong juniors who may be medalists in seven years’ time. This is a bid sales point. Importantly though, there are many other reasons why we should be hopeful. Squash is united behind our dream at every level, and essentially, we have full collaboration with PSA to jointly make our bid. I should report that at this time the process and timing for Paris to nominate sports as happened for Tokyo for the first time has not been finalized. Several meetings will take place in November and we expect to have a better view of arrangements by the end of this year. However, please be assured that we have already begun our preparations, including selecting a campaign agency to assist us prepare our case. Since the announcement in Lima and through ongoing contacts we already know that we must offer new and innovative features in our bid and we are working on it. The WSF Olympic Games Commission, featuring PSA representatives, will meet in Marseille at the time of our AGM to take discussions forward. Once we have confirmation of the process we will refine our plans and provide information to the squash world e.g. bid messages. Strong international support from all the squash family will be vital. At the same time it is also clear that we will also have to ask for help with funds to ensure that we and PSA can compile the fullest possible bid. Thank you in advance for your support.

Jacques Fontaine President

FRENCH SPORTS MINISTER ENTHUSES France's Minister of Sport Laura Flessel, hosted by President Jean Denis Barbet, visited the French Squash National Training Centre in Creteil to watch Camille Serme, World No.2 (and WSF Olympic Commission member) playing in a League match. Flessel was impressed by the athleticism of the players. The former Olympic fencing champion explained to Serme that she had played squash during her time competing internationally, as it is an excellent sport for reflexes, fitness and stamina. President Jacques Fontaine, who also attended the meeting (pictured right, with Flessel and Barbet), said: “We really hope that our Olympic dream will be realized here in Paris in 2024 and are very grateful that our Minister of Sport Mdm Flessel has shown her interest in squash by visiting us." PSA & WSF SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT games programmes and secure them where squash is The Professional Squash Association (PSA) and not already featured. 3. To produce major PSA and WSF sanctioned World Squash Federation (WSF) have signed a tournaments through SQUASHTV, with broadcast Memorandum of Understanding that will see the costs (for production and distribution) for WSF two bodies work in unison towards achieving a joint sanctioned tournaments to be based upon a scale of vision for the future of Squash on a global scale. costs agreed and communicated to hosts, and any broadcast income accruing from WSF sanctioned Following a series of meetings between the tournaments to be split by agreement between both International Federation, led by President Jacques parties. Fontaine and Chief Executive Andrew Shelley, and 4. To work together on anti-doping policies, co- the PSA, led by Chief Executive Alex Gough, both ordinated by the WSF, and disciplinary matters using organisations have agreed to tackle the sport's the Integrated Disciplinary Process to preserve the future in a united and cohesive manner - by means integrity of the sport via integrated implementation. of a unity that will lead to greater support for and 5. To utilise a single international player licencing interaction between all levels of the sport. system via SPIN as default for the sport. 6. To explore developing one worldwide database of Central to the partnership will be the players and followers. development of a global strategy, focusing on 7. To grow participation levels around the world for objectives such as, securing a place on the Olympic squash through innovation, media appeal, marketing Games programme; maintaining squash's presence efforts and to encourage the development of (new) on other international multi-sport games court facilities in conjunction with centres, local associations, national federations and court programmes; growing participation levels around manufacturers. the world; and encouraging the development of 8. To create a long-term global squash calendar for court facilities in conjunction with centres, local major PSA and WSF sanctioned tournaments with a associations and national federations. view to achieve a good balance for the players between ranking/earning events and to enable their "We are delighted to have reached an agreement participation in national/regional events. with the PSA which we have now signed, that will 9. To work together on the successful delivery of World see both organizations work side-by-side Championships. throughout the coming years to help squash 10. To put in place a pathway for talented young players achieve greater visibility and profile around the to fulfil their ambitions in the sport, including world. This was a key objective for me since my becoming professional squash players. election as WSF President last November," said WSF 11. To develop and execute a joint public relation, President Jacques Fontaine. communications, media, marketing and sales strategy for squash, including potential collaboration with "It is vital for the future of the sport that the regards to (new) sponsorship and partnership governing body of the professional game and the opportunities. international federation representing the nations 12. To support key stakeholders within the sport, and their players, coaches and referees, work in including individual member nations and players, with unison towards joint objectives that will ultimately developmental and/or marketing templates. 13. To review the Parties’ constitution to formalize the help ensure squash continues to expand its global collaboration and to ensure that they reflect best profile. The ability to plan for our future together, practice, both for general good governance and to developing clear roles and responsibilities for the maximise the likelihood of fulfilling the criteria PSA, WSF and other key stakeholders within the required by the International Olympic Committee. sport, is an exciting moment for squash and we look 14. To share resources to work together more efficiently forward to a very bright future working together." and reduce costs for both the PSA and WSF. 15. To increase the number of referees and improve the PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: "Our standard of officiating at all levels around the globe. ambition, aligned with that of the WSF, is to create 16. To make SquashRef the standard system used for a more stable and successful platform from which refereeing at major PSA and WSF sanctioned events. to market squash around the world. Creating a 17. To work together to provide an aligned system for unified refereeing structure, expanding squash's event management, results, player records and commercial profile and improving working information availability under PSA and WSF auspices. relationships with all stakeholders are key to the 18. To grow the worldwide number of qualified coaches via the WSF Coach Education Programme. future success of squash and we are pleased to 19. To establish a joint Athletes Commission. begin a new WSF working relationship. 20. To promote WSF Approved Products as the There are definitive partnership priorities, including benchmark for court manufacturers. developing and enacting a global strategy, but all are important. EYEWEAR POSTERS 1. To develop a joint and overarching vision and global To help promote awareness of eye protection, don’t strategy for squash, with clear roles and forget the scalable poster that can be downloaded by responsibilities for the PSA, WSF and other key centres and placed on court doors, notice boards or in stakeholders within the sport such as regions and changing rooms. nations. 2. To achieve a place on the Olympic Games It can be found at: Programme, maintain places on other multi-sport www.worldsquash.org/ws/resources/eyewear-poster

Page 2 MEXICO CELEBRATE TRIPLE PANAM GOLD Men's Semi-Finals:[3/4] Gonzalo Miranda (ARG) bt [1] Hosts Argentina scored Christopher Gordon (USA) 12-10, 11-6, 11- 4 [9/16], two gold medals in the Robertino Pezzota (ARG) bt [3/4] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) 2017 Pan American 11-3, 9-11, 11-7, 11-4 Final: [9/16] Robertino Pezzota (ARG) bt [3/4] Gonzalo Miranda (ARG) 11-4, 11-9, 11-6 Squash Championships in Buenos Aires, but Mexico came away with a triple gold haul in the annual Women's Semi-Finals: [1] Samantha Teran (MEX) bt [9/16] Laura Tovar (COL) 11-9, 11-2, 11-6, [3/4] Diana Panamerican Federation event. Garcia (MEX) bt Karla Urrutia Gomez (MEX) 9-11, 11-2, 11- It was in the Women's Individual event that Mexico 6, 11-1 Final: [1] Samantha Teran (MEX) bt [3/4] Diana secured their first gold when Tour veteran Samantha Garcia (MEX) 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6 Teran beat Diana Garcia in an all-Mexican final to win the title for a record eighth time since 2002. Men's Doubles Semi-Finals: [1] Eric Galvez & Arturo Salazar (MEX) bt [5/8] Chris Hanson & Faraz Khan(USA) 11- 8, 11-9 [5/8] Andrés Herrera & Juan Camilo Vargas (COL) bt [2] Rafael Allendes & Sebastian Gallegos (CHI) 11-8, 11-8 Final: [5/8] Andrés Herrera & Juan Camilo Vargas (COL) bt [1] Eric Galvez & Arturo Salazar (MEX) 11-6, 10-11, 11-8

Women's Doubles Semi-Finals: [1] Giselle Delgado & Anita Pinto (CHI) bt [3/4] Laura Tovar & Maria Tovar Perez (COL) 8-11, 11-9, 11-10 [2] Diana Gasca & Karla Urrutia Gomez (MEX) bt [3/4] Mariam Kamal & Haley Mendez (USA) 11-9, 11-8 Final: [1] Giselle Delgado & Anita Pinto (CHI) bt [2] Diana Gasca & Karla Urrutia Gomez (MEX) 11-8, 11-9

Mixed Doubles Semi-Finals: [1] Antonella Falcione & Gonzalo Miranda (ARG) bt [3/4] Winifer Bonilla & Mauricio Sedano (GUA) 11-5, 11-9 [3/4] Diana Garcia & Alfredo Avila (MEX) bt [2] Catalina Pelaez & Edgar Ramirez (COL) 11-10, 11-6 Final:[1] Antonella Falcione & Gonzalo Miranda (ARG) bt [3/4] Diana Garcia & Alfredo Avila (MEX) 11-9, 11-3

Teran, the 36-year-old former world No.11 (pictured Men's Team Championship final: [2] MEXICO bt [1] above, right, with Garcia), went on to lead her country ARGENTINA 2/0 Cesar Salazar bt Leandro Romiglio 11-8, 11- to title success in the Women's Team Championship 7, 11-8 Arturo Salazar bt Robertino Pezzota 7-11, 12-10, 14- with a 2/1 win over Colombia. 12, 11-7 Bronze medallists: [3/4] COLOMBIA & [3/4] USA Remaining final positions: 5 GUATEMALA, 6 CHILE, 7 Mexico's third gold came courtesy of brothers Cesar , 8 CAYMAN ISLANDS, 9 BARBADOS, 10 BERMUDA and Arturo Salazar who mounted a 2/0 upset for the second seeds over favourites Argentina in the Men's Women's Team Championship final: [1] MEXICO bt [2] Team Championship final. COLOMBIA 2/1 Samantha Teran bt Catalina Pelaez 11-5, 11- Pezzota’s Silver …. 6, 11-7 Diana Garcia lost to Laura Tovar 9-11, 11-8, 10-12, 6-11 Karla Urrutia Gomez bt Maria Tovar Perez 11-6, 11-3, Argentina celebrated an unexpectedly impressive 11-4 Bronze medallists: [3/4] ARGENTINA & [3/4] USA start to their 2017 campaign when outsider Robertino Remaining final positions: 5 CHILE, 6 BARBADOS Pezzota, a 9/16 seed (pictured below) who reached ______the Men's Individual final following upsets over the three higher seeds including the No.2 seed, HISTORIC SAUDI PSA WOMEN’S MASTERS despatched compatriot Gonzalo Miranda, a 3/4 seed, The world’s top female players are set to take part in to win gold for the first time. the 2017 Saudi PSA Women’s Squash Masters, World Miranda came back to Series event between 26 November – 1 December, as strike gold with Antonella professional squash returns to for the Falcione when the first time since 2010. Argentine pair defeated Held at the Princess Nora Guatemala duo Winifer bint Abdul Rahman Bonilla & Mauricio Sedano University in , the in the Mixed Doubles final. Saudi Women’s Masters will A sole gold came for Chile be the first professional in the Women's Doubles women’s squash event when Giselle tournament ever to take Delgado & Anita Pinto place in Saudi Arabia and it beat Mexicans Diana will be headed up by World Gasca & Karla Urrutia Champion Gomez in the final. as she heads the battle for the $165,000 prize fund.

Page 3 DOUBLE IN WORLD HARDBALL Seasoned hardball doubles campaigner , the 40-year-old former world No.1, was England claimed two of the partnered by 28-year-old Christopher Callis in the three titles on offer - for the Mixed final. The USA pair had already accounted for second time in a row - when the No.4 seeds in the first round and now faced third- Clive Leach & John Russell seeded Canadians Stephanie Hewitt & Viktor Berg. and Suzie Pierrepont & Georgina Stoker struck gold After taking the opening game, Grainger and Callis fell in the Men's and Women's 2/1 behind - then had to save three match-balls in the events, respectively, in the Stifel World Hardball fourth to force a decider. But experience shone Doubles Squash Championships in St Louis in the US through as the home duo marched on to win 3/2. state of Missouri. "We knew we had to be on high alert with Viktor on Despite being the title-holders, Leach & Russell were the court as he is so dangerous," said Grainger. "We the fourth seeds - but made their breakthrough in the had to up the pace and add variety - we are so pleased semi-finals where they despatched No.1 seeds Michael to have got the win." Ferreira & Jonny Smith. Men's Final: [4] Clive Leach & John Russell (ENG) bt The established English duo - appearing in the final for Thomas Brinkman & Robin Clarke (CAN) 15-10, 15-10, 3-15, the fourth time in five years - took a two-game lead 7-15, 15-14. Women's Final: [2] Suzie Pierrepont & against their younger Canadian opponents Thomas Georgina Stoker (ENG) bt [1] Narelle Krizek & Natarsha McElhinny (AUS) 12-15, 15-11, 15-3, 15-7. Mixed Final: [6] Brinkman & Robin Clarke. The unseeded pair soon Natalie Grainger & Christopher Callis (USA) bt [3] Stephanie drew level to force a decider - but it was the seasoned Hewitt & Viktor Berg (CAN) 15-9, 10-15, 11-15, 15-14, 15-7 English pair, aged 43 and 38, who reached match-ball ______first at 14-12. NATIONAL & REGIONAL DATES 2018 Sudden death ….. As Regions will be aware, PSA provide protected dates After two match-balls were saved, it was sudden death in the calendar to support Regional and National at 14-all. With Leach pressuring Brinkman to hit the Championships that want to avoid Tour event conflict ball back to himself and give away a stroke, it was the for their players. PSA have confirmed those applicable English duo who retained their title. for 2018 to enable you to plan. As previously PSA set aside dates as follows: Regional Championships Protection for a period of 7 days, following from the last Monday in April, from all PSA tournaments in the same region and from PSA 15 and above elsewhere. Regional/National Championships. Protection for a period of seven days, following from the second Monday in February and second Monday in June, from all PSA tournaments in the same country, if requested to the PSA a minimum of six months before the respective Monday of the denoted week, and from tournaments of PSA 35 and above in the same region and from tournaments of PSA 50 and above elsewhere. Next year using the formula the weeks will be: 12 - 18 February 2018 30 April - 6 May 2018 Women's favourites Narelle Krizek & Natarsha 11 - 17 June 2018 McElhinny(above right), the Australian sisters formerly Regions and nations are encouraged to use these known as Narelle and Natarsha Tippett, duly reached dates for events. the final - but the title remained in English hands.

It was a joyful climax for second seeds Suzie Pierrepont & Georgina Stoker (above left) who competed in the 2015 final - on opposite sides of the PHOTOGRAPHS: Many supplied with thanks to court. After dropping the first game, the England pair stormed back to take the title 3/1 - marking a SquashSite.co.uk and squashpics.com successful defence for 2015 champion Pierrepont.

"I lost to Suzie in the final two years ago in the final," said Stoker. "So it was really great to have won with her this time”.

Page 4 COACHES CONGREGATED IN COLOMBIA The Conference presentations can be viewed here The Club Campestre Resort in Bucaramanga was a hive of squash activities during September when What they said: coaches from all over the world met for the now annual WSF Coaching Conference. "The love for this beautiful sport united us in the city of Bucaramanga, in the week of the World coaching congress Action kicked off with a Level 2 Coaching Course of squash, learning and experiences. delivered by WSF Tutor Esteban Caserino (Paraguay), Thanks world federation and welcome to Colombia the attended by 30 coaches from Peru, Mexico, Argentina, country of the open doors.” Freddy Bennites (Colombia) Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Venezuela and Guatemala. A day later WSF Tutors from Brazil, Malaysia, New "We grew up as coaches in a great squash week, in Zealand, Austria, Belgium, England, Hungary and knowledge and perfection, Ireland met to discuss the new WSF Level 3 Syllabus in Bucaramanga with great that was presented by Peter Hirst (England). The WSF squash masters” Tutors joined Esteban for the practical assessments of Ricardo Settembrini the Level 2 Course, which most participants (Argentina) successfully passed. Thanks for a great week of A real mixture .... learning and camaraderie Events continued with the three day Conference. A at a world squash coach total of 45 participants were welcomed by WSF Vice- conference” Cristian Shulz (Chile, left)

If you missed this years’ conference make sure to book your place for next year when the Gold Coast in will be the place to be for a squash coach. Coincidentally exactly the same dates as this year, 13- 16 September 2018.

______

BEST OF THREE TRIAL PSA have confirmed that the Canary Wharf Classic next year will be the first ranking PSA World Tour event to be played using a best-of-three games scoring format. The PSA M70 event, which takes place in from March 5-9, will see all round of sixteen President Sarah Fitzgerald. Busy days were filled with and quarter-final matches played under the best-of- a mix of lectures and practical sessions covering topics three format, while the semi-finals and final will revert such as skill acquisition, tactical progressions, physical to traditional best-of-five scoring. and mental training. The highlight of the conference was Sarah’s presentation on “Becoming a World "The best-of-three scoring system has featured in the Champion” that was followed by lots of questions in season-ending World Series Finals for the past few the open forum. years and has contributed to what have been some of the most intense and exciting matches of recent

seasons," said PSA’s . "Every point matters under the shorter format, a scenario that increases the intensity of the match from the opening exchange and as a sport it would be foolish not to explore the wider opportunities this format could bring to an event. For fans it will deliver a more intense viewing experience - with matches played at a higher, more explosive pace - while best- of-three matches also allows players greater recovery time between matches, essential for them to perform A gap in the programme actually allowed for her to at their best day-in, day-out. step on court and take on the boys for a fun session

(above). How often do you get the opportunity to play against a world champion?! The following photo WSF DIRECTORY session was almost longer than the playing time! The current edition of the WSF Directory with updated Organizer Sergio Becerra superbly arranged a great National Federation addresses, WSF Commission week at an excellent venue with simultaneous details and much more besides is on the WSF website translation, good food and two parties with lots of here. music and dancing.

Page 5 WHICH NATION WILL FINISH SECOND! CERTIFIED EYEWEAR BRANDS 2017 The seeding for the WSF Men’s World Team The following brands have passed national safety Championship from 27 November until 3 December in standards and, having applied for WSF Certified listing, the French city of Marseille will not be known for a are the only brands permitted for use in WSF, Regional couple of weeks – but the top slot is not in doubt! and many national junior events.

Egypt have six players in the November world top ten, BRAND NAME APPROVED MODEL and too! With recent World number ones Karim Abedel Gawad and Mohamed Elshorbagy, plus Turbo (AC 114), Turbo Junior (AC 114 Jr) US Open winner and Marwan Elshorbagy, Lasers (AC 111) and all in the top ten Sight Guard (AC 112) second place is all the rest of the participating nations Kona (AC 119) can realistically target, barring a major collapse. Kona Junior (AC 119 Jr) Lynx (AC 122) Stiletto (AC 620) Air Frame Small (AC641SM) Guardian AV (AC 660) Baller, Coverage Crunch, Dominance Swag, Field, Homerun League, Playoff

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Hosts France have current World Number one Gregory Radar R43 Gaultier and are expected to be filling their squad with Radar Jr R717JR Gregoire Marche, Mathieu Castignet and Lucas Serme (above). A strong group, and with the vocal support i-Mask of the public at Modern Club and the showcourt arena at Salle Vallier, will hope for a place in the final. 2500 (9903Jnr) Meanwhile, no country can match the player Pro 3000 (R43) experience of England, who are likely to field ‘veterans‘ Overspec (KA642)p , and as they Mantis Protective try to retain their title. Eyewear There will be a number of other top players leading Rage (9903V) the 24 nations who will be in Southern France too. Rage Junior (9903JR) However, there will also be a great welcome for Prolite (RB10C) debutants Iraq, Israel and Jamaica too. Speed (R601) The following 24 countries are participating: Attitude (PRO2) Shark (R43) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Marvel (SE-7) Republic, , England, Finland, France, Rage (9903V) Germany, , China, , Iraq, Rage Junior (9903JR) Ireland, Jamaica, Malaysia, New Zealand, Prolite (RB10C) , Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Speed (R601) , USA, Wales. Attitude (Pro2) ______

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Page 6 WORLD SQUASH OFFICIATING PROGRAMME SPIN INFORMATION ON THE WAY For players: all players Developing a cutting edge worldwide structure to who wish to play in all handle referee training, qualification, development World Individual and Team and assessing is quite a project, but that is exactly Championships, Regional what WSF, in partnership with PSA, are embarking Events and World Junior upon. Planning has been ongoing, costings compiled Circuit events at all age and now, subject to sign-off of the arrangements, the levels will need to be ‘build’ will begin. registered. Their SPIN (Squash Personal Here is a flavour of what is intended for the Identification Number) programme, which will be called WORLD SQUASH stays with them for life. OFFICIATING (WSO): For individual events where national federations The tag line for WSO will be LEVEL UP, and in total enter their players they will do so using the SPIN of there will be six levels. the players. Similarly, in those events where players enter themselves e.g. World Masters, they will do so ~ The first level, an introductory online quiz-based using their SPIN. course for players of all ages and playing standards, For team events of all ages in World and Regional which will provide an insight into rules and match Championships, Member Nations will enter their teams management. into the event using the on-line system. Squad and ~ There will be five levels of qualification, from an Team submissions can also be made on-line. initial refereeing level, running upwards to those who PLAYER REGISTRATION have reached the highest global level. Any player, irrespective of age, can register themselves - or their federation can do so on their Much will be web-based, but at higher levels behalf - by completing the on-line registration form. assessment will feature too. They should also let their National Federation know It will help kick-start refereeing structures that they are doing so. nationally where they may not exist and provide The current SPIN registration fee - paid on-line - is a resources that other countries may adopt. It will also once only lifetime fee of GBP15.00 (not annual). enable countries that have established programmes to Notes: Half of all the fees paid by the players (or transfer referees into equivalent levels in the initial Member Nations on their behalf) are split equally period. between the five Regional Federations to help fund development initiatives. The introductory level will be free to take Tournament Planner software is used to take entries (encouraging maximum worldwide take up) for National Junior Opens, with players at U19 level A significant percentage of all online course fees able to claim World Junior ranking points. for the five qualification levels are planned to be WHERE DO PLAYERS REGISTER? rebated to the nation of the candidate to support Simply go to www.worldsquash.org/spin further local refereeing resourcing. TEAM OFFICIALS All designated team officials attending with teams Nations will not be required to replace their or individual players must be WSF Registered with a national courses and qualifications with WSO ones, SPIN at the time of attendance. (This Regulation though encouraged to do so. covers anybody with access to the playing area, so, The full description of level requirements and primarily, managers, coaches, physios). procedures, along with full general details is intended MEMBER NATION LOGIN to be published in early 2018, before the first levels go Separately, all WSF Member Nations have their login live in May 2018. so that they can view all registrations from their country, enter WSF Championships and do so for WSF A Resource Centre for all players, coaches, individual events. administrators and squash enthusiasts generally as well as referees will be incorporated The preparation is being done by the WSO Consultant Group, featuring representatives from each Region and led by Roy Gingell and Lee Drew.

The funding for WSO development is a joint Former world champion and world no.1 Laura investment from WSF and PSA. Massaro talks about her preparations for the 2017 WSO will soon be live, and with it the impetus to PSA World Championship. increase Rules and match management knowledge, improve player conduct, enlarge the refereeing pool For this feature and more, please click here: and raise officiating standards. http://www.squashplayer.co.uk

Page 7 WORLD SQUASH DAY WORKS ITS MAGIC WSF ACCREDITATION World Squash WSF Accredited Products available from these Day brought the companies mean assured standards when building or sport together renovating squash courts. “like one big global family” according to the organisers. England’s Daryl Selby flew home from the US Open, and instead of resting, travelled to Bishop’s Stortford Club in Hertfordshire to support their open day. Selby took to Twitter to announce his appearance at the event and many fellow players also used social media to express their love for the sport. Canadian No.1 Samantha Cornett said: “So grateful for squash and the amazing community we get to be a part of on this Day.” American No.1 , who is recovering from injury, Tweeted: “Happy World Squash Day everyone! I will always love this sport and continue to play even though it has destroyed my body a little bit!” Former world junior champion , from Peru, posted a

Twitter message wishing everyone a happy World Squash Day alongside a picture of himself with former world champions (Egypt) and the mercurial from Canada. Another squash legend, World Squash Day Founding President , originally from Scotland but now based in New York, visited the Access Youth Academy in San Diego on World Squash Day for an exhibition fund-raiser with Irish professional Arthur Gaskin. In Malaysia….

World Squash Day coincided with the National Sports Day of Malaysia. The University Kebangsaan Malaysia coordinated the activities along with support from the Squash Malaysia management. Director Maj(R) S. Maniam, welcomed everyone and joined in the fun activities including Squash57, table tennis and badminton in the squash court amongst others. World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher said: “World Squash Day brings together the global squash For a full list of all Accredited Products please community like one big happy family. “From tiny click here youngsters to the world’s leading professionals, we have seen so many fun-filled events taking place across the planet where players and coaches have shared their love of the game with a new generation of participants.

Page 8 SQUASH 57 GROWS IN IRAN WSF AGM AND CONFERENCE 2017 The 47th WSF AGM, Conference, Board and other meetings all take place alongside the WSF Men’s World Team Championship in Marseille, France, with the AGM on Sunday 3 December. Over 40 nations are expected to be represented and details will be reported in the next WSF Instant Update. ______WSF APPROVED BALLS Dunlop provide the WSF Adopted Ball, which is used for all WSF World Championships, along with all Regional events. A number of manufacturers make balls that have been The Iran Squash Federation have mounted a big push tested to conform to the WSF Squash Ball to grow Squash 57, especially looking to recruit female Specifications and so are quality assured. players. They are all listed here: Using the media, including Instagram and using famous actors and actresses to play and promote, their 57 Committee has also held coaching and Artengo SB 990 Squash Ball refereeing courses, and ran men’s and women’s events. The intention is that all regions of the country will become active with 57. Black Knight Ball

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November ‘17 Karakal Squash Ball 02 – 05 Belgian Junior Open 17 – 19 Polish Junior Open MR Price Sport Maxed Squash 24 – 26 Irish Junior Open Ball

December ‘17 Prince Rebel Pro Ball 01 – 03 Barbados Junior Open

07 – 10 Swiss Junior Open 09 – 12 Canadian Junior Open 28 – 30 Scottish Junior Open Taiball Yellow Dot Ball

January ‘18 03 - 07 British Junior Open Tecnifibre Squash Ball 18 – 21 Czech Junior Open Victor/VICTEC Doppel-Gelb Squash Ball

Page 9 PSA RANKINGS –November

EL TAYEB RETURNS TO TOP 10 FARAG REACHES TOP 4 ’s maiden PSA Egypt’s Ali Farag has World Series title at last moved into the world’s month’s U.S. Open has seen top four for the first the Egyptian return to the time in his career after world’s top 10 for the first the PSA Men’s World time since October 2016 Rankings were after the PSA Women’s released in November. November rankings, saw her rise six places to No.8. Farag, a 25-year-old Harvard-graduate, lifted his The 24-year-old wrote her name into the record books maiden PSA World Series title last month at the U.S. in Philadelphia as she defeated compatriot Raneem El Open, shortly after his wife, Nour El Tayeb, won her Welily to claim the women’s title, while husband Ali first World Series title on the same night in Farag took the men’s title just hours later to ensure Philadelphia, ensuring that they became the first that the pair became the first married couple in married couple in sporting history ever to win the sporting history to win the same major sports title on same major sports title on the same day. the same day. A week later, Farag made it to the final of the Channel El Tayeb also appeared at the Carol Weymuller Open VAS Championships at St George’s Hill, however he fell in October, where she lost out to World Champion to the man he beat in the U.S. Open final, Mohamed Nour El Sherbini, who celebrates her 22nd birthday by ElShorbagy, who stays at No.3 but cuts the points gap retaining the No.1 spot for a 19th successive month between himself and World No.2 . ahead of El Welily, who swaps places with France’s Camille Serme to take the No.2 spot. Frenchman Gregory Gaultier stays at World No.1, while three-time World Champion Nick Matthew drops England’s and Egypt’s a place to No.5 - his lowest World Ranking in 12 hold their places in the top five, while and months. Sarah-Jane Perry stay at No.6 and No.7, respectively. Egyptian trio Marwan ElShorbagy, Tarek Momen and Courtesy of a run of form that saw her reach the semi- Fares Dessouky take the No.6, No.7 and No.8 spots, finals of the U.S. Open and the final of the Carol respectively, with Dessouky sitting at a career-high Weymuller Open, New Zealand’s is ranking. New Zealand’s also moves up a spot rewarded with a move up to No.9, with England’s to a career-high No.9 ranking, while England’s James dropping two places to complete the top Willstrop falls three places to close out the top 10. 10.

PSA Women’s Rankings – November 2017 PSA Men’s Rankings – November 2017

1 Nour El Sherbini EGY 1 Gregory Gaultier FRA 2 Raneem El Welily EGY 2 Karim Abdel Gawad EGY 3 Camille Serme FRA 3 Mohamed ElShorbagy EGY 4 Laura Massaro ENG 4 Ali Farag EGY 5 Nouran Gohar EGY 5 Nick Matthew ENG 6 Nicol David MAS 6 Marwan ElShorbagy EGY 7 Sarah-Jane Perry ENG 7 Tarek Momen EGY 8 Nour El Tayeb EGY 8 Fares Dessouky EGY 9 Joelle King NZL 9 Paul Coll NZL 10 Alison Waters ENG 10 James Willstrop ENG 11 HKG 11 Ramy Ashour EGY 12 ENG 12 Simon Rösner GER 13 Olivia Blatchford USA 13 EGY 14 IND 14 Diego Elias PER 15 ENG 15 Daryl Selby ENG 16 WAL 16 Ryan Cuskelly AUS 17 Donna Urquhart AUS 17 Cesar Salazar MEX 18 Salma Hany Ibrahim EGY 18 Borja Golan ESP 19 Joey Chan HKG 19 AUS 20 Dipika Pallikal Karthik IND 20 EGY

Page 10 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES ALTANHUYAG LEADS THE WAY IN MONGOLIA As has been published, squash has secured a slot as a Squash in Mongolia was introduced in late 2014 with ‘showcase’ sport at the Youth Olympic Games in the first of the current two squash courts built at the Buenos Aires next year (the Games dates are 6 – 18 Encanto Sports Complex in the capital Ulaanbaatar. October, squash dates are provisionally 7 – 12 Coaching is available for anyone who requests when October). booking, and with coach Altanhuyag Otgon (seen here This is a very with a group of young players) in attendance full time important step as it is readily available. The centre shows coaching we try to secure a videos for players to watch and learn from when they place in the Paris are not on court themselves. 2024 Olympics, but it should be emphasized that Squash will not be a medal sport. The hosts will permit us to stage a small exhibition event showing off our glass court and presentation, as well as featuring our athletic young players. Ongoing discussions…. With the support of the Mongolian Tennis Squash While there are ongoing discussions with the Games Federation, a Mongolian Squash Association is being hosts about arrangements, it is most likely that formed to support the increasing interest in squash, invitations will be extended to every Regional and a website currently being setup. Federation to select up to four boys and girls to As Student Ambassador Maralmaa Erdenebat participate, possibly in sixteen player round. As for explained,” Since we started, many people have age, in all probability Under 18 at the time of the developed an interest in the game and the association Games to link to usual Youth Olympic age restrictions has been eager to expand its influence and members. for medal sports. Due to the cold winters and increase in a healthy No finishing positions lifestyle, many people are drawn to indoor activities Details will be conveyed to all Regions and Nations as and we believe that this could aid our goal. We have soon as finalized by the hosts, but for now this held a few nationally open interest competitions that indicative information is provided to stress that this will have had a great turn out, especially from younger not be a World Junior Open large scale event, not a members. We have been encouraging the participants competition at all as it will not be played to finishing to keep playing squash and keep in touch with the positions, but a great opportunity for squash to really winners of the competitions for future opportunities”. boost our Olympic credentials. If you are interested in playing squash in Ulaanbaatar, Altanhuyag Otgon is contactable at [email protected]. Current WSF Accredited Companies are ______

SNIPPETS

HEAR HOWARD HARDING World Squash Media Director Howard Harding can be heard telling American journalist Jim Zug how he becamed involved in squash media work in a podcast

in the ‘Outside The Glass’ series at: https://soundcloud.com/outsidetheglass/ep22- howard-harding

ARCHER & SIMPSON ELECTED At the Barbados Olympic Association elections held last week, Pan American Squash Federation Vice President Craig Archer (left) became a Director, while squash referee Orson Simpson was elected as Treasurer.

Page 11 MATTHEW SIGNALS RETIREMENT MARIA TOOR PAKAI FILM See the film on Pakistani player Maria’s upbringing made by Economist Films here

AN OATH FOR PLAYERS Bill Swindells is 70 years old and has been playing squash for the past 40 years (a little slower than I used to), he reports. I still play business league at my local squash club in South Africa, and in 2013 at the awards giving ceremony I was awarded the prize of winner of the year. I thought that it meant that I drink too much wine, but it was pointed out later that it was because I had a reputation for disputing calls etc. and wining Nick Matthew has announced that the 2017-2018 about the referees’ decisions! squash season will officially be his last playing season. The following morning I decided to change my ways The 37 year-old from Sheffield, Yorkshire is already and I sat down and wrote a poem about how I would classed as one of the most successful squash players behave in the future. The poem is called THE SQUASH of all time with three World Championship titles, three PLAYERS OATH and it applies to all squash player from British Open crowns and three Commonwealth Games beginners to professional. Gold Medals as well as 35 PSA World Tour titles and 19 months ranked No.1 in the PSA World Rankings. Here it is and he is happy for it to be reproduced. He can be contacted at: RAHIM GUL PASSES [email protected] Rahim Gul, Pakistani professional player and later Singapore national squash coach has died aged 66 in Rawalpindi in the Pakistan province of Punjab, after a battle with diabetes that led to liver complications. As a player, Rahim was ranked among the top 20 in the world (seen here playing ), a feat considering that he played with just one eye, a handicap few noticed. He had lost his right eye while playing outside as a child and grew up with a glass eye. As a very popular and successful coach, Rahim spent more than 15 years in Singapore having a hand in grooming the likes of Zainal Abidin and Peter Hill amongst others.

Rahim (left) was in the family squash business as he is mourned by brothers Fahim (Right) and Jamshed Gul (centre), both similarly high level players and renowned coaches.

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Executive Office: Maison du Sport International, Avenue de Rhodanie 54, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland Administrative Office: 25 Russell Street, Hastings, East Sussex, UK TN34 1QU Tel: +44 1424 447440 Fax: +44 1424 430737 Website: worldsquash.org

Chief Executive – Andrew Shelley: [email protected] Operations Manager – Lorraine Harding: [email protected] Assistant Operations Manager – Jasmine Pascoe: [email protected] Operations Assistant – Carol Hackett: [email protected]

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